Senate debates Documents
Australian Education Amendment Bill 2017; Order for the Production of Documents
Jacinta Collins Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary
3:03 pm
by leave—I ask Minister Birmingham for an explanation as to his failure to respond to yesterday's Senate order for the production of documents.
Simon Birmingham SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Education and Training
My understanding is the response was provided to the Senate Table Office earlier today.
Jacinta Collins Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary
3:04 pm
Could I take note of that answer. Unfortunately, given the pace of proceedings—
Stephen Parry President
You need leave to do that. Senator Birmingham has clearly indicated that an answer has been provided, but you can seek leave.
Jacinta Collins Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary
It is yet to reach us, and we would like it.
Stephen Parry President
We will have that confirmed with the Table Office. If you are seeking leave to take note, I can ask the question of the Senate.
Jacinta Collins Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary
I seek leave to speak for one minute.
Leave granted.
I think I should highlight that the failure of this information to arrive for senators—the Senate did resolve that those documents be produced—highlights the unusual and very concerning situation we are in now that we have already moved into committee stage consideration of the legislation this information relates to. It is very concerning. It highlights that the pace at which this government is moving in relation to this legislation is alarming. It is not good policy development process. Senators are responding without adequate information and, indeed, the government's record in providing information is very alarming. I understand that the Table Office has confirmed that they have not received the answer. Given that Minister Birmingham indicated that he had indeed provided it, it is very alarming.
Stephen Parry President
The minister has provided a response, in the form of a letter, which will be tabled this afternoon.